This week we had a national story about how rentals are outpacing home ownership. We reached out to Lance Hanson from ReMax Real Estate Concepts to ask him if that trend was also something local to the Des Moines Metro. We talked about that and then Tim Meline a volunteer for Des Moines Habitat for Humanity joined us to talk about their latest project.

Our friend Peter Tarpey is back in the studio! Today we're chatting about the Central Iowa Sports Network, how consumers digest news and sports and what the future may hold. It's a great "start-up" story.

She's sort of "family" (We air on DSM Radio Group station 1350-KRNT). Trista Hageman is the Digital Marketing Director for the Des Moines Radio Group. What does that mean? Hold on because we cover lots of ground in a very short period of time. What is digital, how is it different than traditional advertising, how can you market (electronically) within a "digital fence" and what the heck does that mean anyway? Have a listen...

We enjoy telling the start-up stories of small business. Meet entrepreneur Amanda Lundstedt the founder and owner of Active Edge a Clive based massage therapy clinic specializing in orthopedic and sports. Clearly not a high-tech business that folks seem to get excited about...but a business that is running smoothly and...making a living.

Ten years ago not many would have imagined the resurgence of the Urban Center of Des Moines let alone the continued increase in outward migration to the suburbs. Or, is there migration toward the city core? The construction of apartment buildings in the Metro is happening at a frenzied pace. Are there enough renters? What rental levels are there? What is most popular? Have we over built? Can renters start to demand concessions from landlords? We asked Jeremey Hummel the president of the Iowa Apartment Alliance those questions and more.

Farming is always farming but some folks do their agricultural business a bit differently. Meet Teresa Opheim the executive director of the non-profit Practical Farmers of Iowa. Here we talk about the organization, who they are, whom they serve, water quality issues in Iowa, the rural/urban interests and, of course, agriculture. Our conversation:

He started out collecting coins as a hobby and, much the way hobbies go, coins, jewelry and gold made their way into a long career. Christopher Seuntjens from Christopher's Fine Jewelry, Rare Coins and Gold talks about that trip and a special event coming to Altoona this Sunday! (July 6th). Here is that conversation:

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is heard Monday - Friday from 5PM to 6PM on 1350-KRNT, Des Moines. Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

U.S. Consumers are buying less beef because of the increasing cost. Restaurants are left with several choices regarding how they handle the issue. We made contact with Tony Lemmo, chef and owner of Cafe di Scala and asked him what he is doing and why that, for him, is the best choice. Our conversation from the News-maker Line:

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is heard Monday - Friday from 5PM to 6PM on 1350-KRNT, Des Moines. Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Hold on because this moves really fast! Ginger Johnson founded Women Enjoying Beer and it is not, at all, what you think. Here we talk about the marketing of products and services, why most businesses need some help and the amazing world of...beer. Here is our very fast paced conversation: (And she is not from Idaho...honest.)

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is heard Monday - Friday from 5PM to 6PM on 1350-KRNT, Des Moines. Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

We love stories about consumer trends and think you'll like this one too. What's it like in the custom jewelry design business? What is hot? What is the trend in style, design and where you go to get quality. Bruce Owen of Bruce Owen Jewelry and Design has been in the business for 34 years and just recently decided to open a boutique custom jewelry business. Some wise words about where the industry is going and what's hot...now. Here is that conversation:

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is heard Monday - Friday from 5PM to 6PM on 1350-KRNT, Des Moines. Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.